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The new laws you need to know in Maryland, Virginia and DC

New laws took effect on July 1 in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, here's a breakdown of everything you need know.

WASHINGTON — New laws took effect on July 1 in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, here's a breakdown of everything you need know. 

If you lost your license in Virginia because you didn't pay court fines, you are in luck. 

As of Monday, more than 600 thousand Virginians will have their driving privileges restored even if they didn't pay up in court. Governor Ralph Northam said the practice unfairly punished the poor and kept them from getting work. 

RELATED: New Virginia laws go into effect July 1

The age for buying tobacco and vaping products in Virginia increased from 18 to 21.

When it comes to alcohol, happy hours are about to get even happier in Virginia. Now, business owners can advertise the cost of drinks on a happy hour special outside of their store. 

In Maryland, you can soon say adios to plastic foam cups and food containers. There is a statewide ban on those products, but don't freak out if tonight's takeout meal is still in plastic wear, companies have until July 1, 2020, to adhere to the requirement. 

Now Let's talk money on this lovely! In Montgomery county, large employers must pay $13 per hour, while midsize and small businesses — with 50 employees or fewer — must pay $12.50 an hour. The state of Maryland has approved a 15 dollar minimum wage, but that does not take effect until 2025.

RELATED: These new laws in Maryland, DC and Virginia take effect July 1

Could prescription drugs prices be doing down in Maryland? That's the goal. An oversight board was created and charged with lowering prescription drug costs. We'll have to keep you posted on how that develops in Maryland. 

Meanwhile, in the District, employers will have to pay .62% payroll tax, in order to fund a city program that provides private-sector workers with eight weeks of paid time off for new parents, six weeks to care for an ill relative and two weeks of personal sick time. While employers will start paying toward that program this year, the benefits will not be available to employees until next year.

RELATED: DC minimum wage increased to $14

One thing taking effect immediately in the District is minimum wage. It will increase from $13.25 to $14 an hour.  If you're a tip earner, employers would be required to pay you at least $4 45 cents an hour. The employee will make up the difference if tips fall short of the standard minimum wage. 

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